Taking fun to another level, completely
Tom Scanlan has a play with the BMW F82 M4 Competition Package Coupe S55 3.0
The whole point of the M4 with the competition package is pure, unadulterated fun, isn’t it? BMW introduced the Comp Pack version having 450Hp, which is just 19 bhp more than the standard M4, but with the same massive torque, 550Nm.
The twin turbo 3-litre engine ejects the car to 62 mph in exactly four seconds and does so with a wonderful deep growl. Depending on your idea of fun (and this is my idea of fun, I must confess), then the price you have paid for this rather extreme vehicle, a total of £74,575 in the case of the actual test car, is completely worth it.
I say ‘rather extreme’ because one thing to bear in mind is that if you hit a pot-hole or some other form of anti-car road-surface challenge in theM4 Competition Package, you feel the thump like you’ve been inside a container that’s been dropped by a dockyard crane. But the car feels very strong and able to take any big punch on the chin.
There are the usual ride controls: comfort, sport and sport plus; stick to comfort and avoid pot-holes is the simple advice. Play with the others on the race track. This cars abilities are way more extreme than just for public roads.
On good roads, the ride is fine, if still on the firm side, and, in any case, the driving seat is very comfortable. And while pootling gently along, you have the deep exhaust note – think Lee Marvin singing ‘Wandering Star’ – as background entertainment. If that’s not enough entertainment, optional extras include online entertainment and the Internet, with Harmon/ Kardon surround sound.
On the subject of options, the test car had M carbon ceramic brakes at £6250 and the twin clutch DCT 7-speed auto box costing £2645. The car pulled up powerfully well in my practice emergency stops, while the gear changes were pretty well instantaneous as with such systems; presumably this was why there was no throttle blipping on down changes…no need as the next gearbox was is always engaged anyway…but a bit disappointing was that. I suppose you can’t have everything, even at nearly £75k.
More on options: there is a head-up display for £825 and the interior featured carbon fibre trim with a black chrome finish.
The Merino leather seats, officially described as being ‘orange’ were more of a tan colour, thankfully, and beautifully-finished…£1330 for these.
Auto-geeks will recognise the Comp Pack M4s by their standard 20-inch wheels and different-design door mirrors.
The car’s official combined cycle fuel consumption is 34 mpg. The test car, having been driven by several journalists that day before I got my hands on it, indicate a consumption of 17.4 mpg, so I guess the car had been put through its paces. On a mainly rural route with few chances to put my foot down, it nevertheless did the job – providing a fun drive, with super steering and handling, and acceleration that is so effortless in any gear at any speed.
BMW fans its also now worth investigating BMW’s latest Connected Drive. It’s getting less geeky and cleverer and now without the need to have your mobile plugged in. Smart features include your car system learning your typical journeys. Oh, and if you’ve just landed in Sydney or somewhere and worried you’ve left your BMW unlocked in the car park at Heathrow, you can sort that out, too. But is all this taking over from our own brains?..
A Great Drive, yes please!
Car reviewed: BMW F82 Competition Package Coupe S55 3.0 – Base price £59,965, price as tested £74,575 0-62mph 4.3 secs Top speed 155mph*electronically limited Combined Fuel Economy combined 33.1mpg CO2 emissions 194g/km Engine 2979cc Max Power 450Hp Torque 550Nm Transmission 7-speed double clutch (M DCT) with Drive logic
Unadulterated fun
Outright Performance
Surprisingly good ride
None to mention
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